An upcoming motion picture, Cabrini, features a score composed by Blair School of Music alumnus Gene Back, BMus’06. Coming to theatres on March 8, International Women’s Day, Cabrini was directed by the award-winning Alejandro Monteverde, and is based on the true story of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who overcame overwhelming challenges upon her arrival in New York and went on to leave a lasting impact on modern society. Watch the trailer for Cabrini.
A single composed by Back for the Cabrini film, “Dare to Be,” has been released by Decca Records and features the iconic Andrea Bocelli with his daughter, Virginia, marking their first original duet together. Listen on Spotify.
“It’s not every day that you get hired to write nearly 100 minutes of fully orchestral film score, but also work with some of the greatest talent in the classical world, from the Bocelli family to Rolando Villazon, and Ennio Morricone’s orchestra in Rome,” said Back. “Though film music or even composition were never things I formally studied or majored in, I believe having such a well-rounded Musical Arts education at Blair prepared me incredibly well for everything I’m doing now. I’m always amazed at how much I continue to pull from all those basic counterpoint, electives, music history, and ear training classes, even after nearly 20 years since I graduated.”
Born in New York and based in Los Angeles, Gene Back is an acclaimed Korean-American film composer and multi-instrumentalist, who previous work includes music for the critically acclaimed Randall Park directorial debut, Shortcomings, and collaborations with internationally renowned artists and bands, ranging from Gotye, Talib Kweli, to The Books.
With a background as a classically trained violinist, influenced by a life spent on self-recording and continuously evolving his multi-instrumental craft, his signature playing style is heard on every single film score and composition, whether it’s with a full symphonic orchestra, electronic acoustic chamber ensemble, or folk song. Back’s ability to insert his unique voice across genres has also extended to dozens of major advertising campaigns, XR and theater.